Suspect in fatal shooting of Bradenton man ordered held without bond

BRADENTON -- The man charged with the fatal shooting of a man in the middle of an East Bradenton street in December was ordered held without bond Wednesday.

Robert Eugene Brewer, 20, is charged with second-degree murder and aggravated fleeing to elude law enforcement and reckless driving. Just before noon Dec. 19, 27-year-old Kevin McCants was called to a black Toyota Camry in the 1000 block of 33rd Avenue East in Bradenton and shot to death. At least two witnesses have identified Brewer as the shooter, according to detectives. Up to three other men were believed to be in the Camry with Brewer and all drove off after McCants was killed.

Within hours of the fatal shooting, investigators obtained a warrant charging him with second-degree murder, and a search was underway that would not end until Tuesday morning when he was spotted by Bradenton police.

On Wednesday afternoon, Brewer appeared before Circuit Judge Susan Maulucci via video conference for a first appearance hearing.

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Maulucci ordered Brewer be held with bond, as previously ordered on the arrest warrant signed by Circuit Judge Hunter Carroll, who will preside over the case.

Assistant State Attorney Garrett Franzen detailed for Maulucci how Brewer attempted to flee from the Bradenton police officers who had recognized him and attempted a traffic stop. Brewer's speed reached 90 mph at one point before he ultimately lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a fence, Franzen said.

Franzen also told Maulucci that although Brewer is only 20 years old, he already has a lengthy criminal history, most of which was as a juvenile. Prior charges include robbery, battery and obstruction.

The Public Defender's Office did not argue anything regarding bond, but asked it be appointed to represent Brewer.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.